Soothe Yourself with Aloe Vera
Most people know that aloe vera can be used on skin cuts, abrasions, or sunburn. But did you know that it can also aid in healing your internal problems? There are some forgotten secrets to this ancient medicinal plant.
Many popular herbal remedies are derived from the aloe plant. Native to Africa, the aloe vera plant is also called the “lily of the desert”, “plant of immortality” and, appropriately, “medicine plant.” The bitter liquid that comes from the plant is the basis of the name “alloeh”, which translates in Arabic to “bitter taste”.
Aloe Vera Herb
Aloe vera is one of about 400 known species grown under the family known as “asphodelaceae”. Classified as a succulent plant, aloe is naturally grown in the more arid areas of Africa, as well as in the mountainous zones of tropical Africa. The aloe vera plant, which is considered by many to be an herb, is distinguished by the large, thick, fleshy leaves. These leaves are shaped like lances, have sharp apexes and spines lining their margins.
Early Applications
As early as 1500 BC, Egyptians have noted the use of the aloe vera plant as treatment for burns, infections, and parasites.
Healing Properties of Aloe Vera
Evidently, the juice of the aloe vera plant yields certain substances, called aloes, which are good purgatives. Some species of the aloe, including the Aloe venenosa, are not recommended as they may produce poisonous juices. Most species, however, such as the A. vera, vulgaris, socotrina, chinensis, and perryi contain aloes that offer therapeutic benefits.
Aloe vera has been under medical scrutiny since the 1930s. Studies suggest that the clear gel of the aloe vera plant contain properties that have dramatic burn, wound and ulcer healing properties. When an affected area is coated with the gel-like substance, the wound is also safeguarded from infection-causing bacteria and other micro bodies, providing faster healing.
Herbal Juice
The aloe vera plant, like most succulents, contains about 96 percent water. The remaining 4 percent of aloe vera is a combination of active ingredients including amino acids, enzymes, essential oils, glycoproteins, minerals and vitamins. Because of the many active constituents present in the aloe vera plant, modern healers often implement it into their liquid health treatments. Juice from the aloe vera is usually combined with other medicinal plants to increase its potency. Those who use aloe vera juice believe that it is able to relieve digestive tract irritations caused by colitis, peptic ulcers and other disorders.
Aloe Vera Supplements
The many vitamins and minerals that are found in aloe vera make it an ideal herbal supplement. Aloe vera supplements can aid in digestion, and may assist in blood and lymphatic circulation. Aloe vera herbal supplements may also improve gall bladder, kidney and liver function.
With at least three fatty acids, the aloe vera plant also presents anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, aloe vera herbal supplements can be helpful for those with colon, stomach and small intestine difficulties. By naturally alkalizing digestive juices and preventing excess stomach acids, aloe vera supplements can help to prevent these common causes of indigestion.
When discomfort hits you next, why not grab a piece of aloe? It is easy to grow, and looks very nice in the bathroom, for example. Modern medicine cabinets would all benefit from the healing properites of this ancient plant.
Article Source: http://www.ezarticles.info
Writer Varian Sperks is an author for several online magazines, on health and wellness products and alternative health care topics.
